Cadillacs no number 1955 - 1956

This contact sheet of Robert Franks’ photographs, features several images of Cadillacs. Frank's approach is like a painter sketching, lots of quick studies from different angles to get a feel for the subject. In the third row, you can see a sequence of frames all focused on the details of a Cadillac's hood and headlights. The high-key lighting and stark black and white give everything a glossy, almost hyperreal quality. Like a car ad, but something’s not quite right. The images look grainy, and the multiple viewpoints fragment our experience, leaving us with a sense of unease. It reminds me of the work of Ed Ruscha, who photographed things like swimming pools and parking lots in a similarly deadpan style. Both artists share an interest in the everyday, but they also hint at the darker side of American life, one that is often overlooked or ignored. Ultimately, the meaning is up for grabs.